Code Enforcement Officer

Code Enforcement Officer

Distinguishing Features of the Class: Work involves enforcement of building, fire, zoning, sign, and other similar ordinances in the City; inspections of buildings, housing and building construction to assure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations; complaint investigations; evaluation of rehabilitation needs including cost estimates and oversight of rehabilitation projects.  Work is performed under the direction of the Fire Chief and may include supervision over the work of others.  Performs other related work as required.     

Typical Work Activities:

Serves as code enforcement official as provided for under the State Building and Fire Code;

Coordinate code enforcement activities with other city agencies and personnel;

Serve as enforcement officer for municipal codes and ordinances, such as zoning, signs, electrical and plumbing;

Review plans and specifications submitted for construction, alterations, installations and other actions associated with municipal codes;

Explain the requirements of applicable ordinances and state and federal regulations including the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code to building contractors and to the general public;

Inspect buildings and structures in the process of construction or repair for compliance with approved plans and specifications and all requirements of applicable ordinance and laws. Inspect existing building and structures to insure their conformity and local ordinances;

Order the eradication of unsafe structures or conditions;

Investigate complaints and assist in prosecuting violations of the building code and other related ordinances;

Discuss needs for rehabilitation work with property owners and inspect premises to determine scope of the project and assess any code violations that need to be corrected;

Prepare bid specifications and plans for rehabilitation, receive and analyze submissions and award contracts within the scope of the program and statutes;

Process and maintain records of various actions and decisions relative to enforcement issues;

Maintain accurate records and prepare required reports such as activity reports, permits issued, fees collected and project status reports.  Maintain New York State code rules and regulations manuals;

Prepare and administer budget for code enforcement and building functions;

Develop and implement procedures pertaining to code enforcement and building inspection functions;

Serve in any advisory capacity to the Mayor and other government officials in areas related to code enforcement and building inspections.  Represent the City in various local, state or national organizations.

Full Performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics:

Comprehensive knowledge of building, fire, zoning, sign, and other municipal ordinances. Thorough knowledge of modern practices, principles, materials, and tools used in building construction. Good knowledge of the building trades. Good knowledge of provisions, rules, and regulations of building rehabilitation grant programs. Ability to read and interpret plans and blueprints. Good knowledge of legal procedures involved in enforcement of municipal codes. Ability to prepare estimates, specification, and simple construction plans. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with other public officials, employees, contractors, and the public. Sound judgment, courtesy and tact, discretion, initiative, resourcefulness, and integrity. Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:  

1. Possession of an associate degree in construction, rehabilitation, or inspection work; or
2. Graduation from a high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and five years’ experience in building construction, rehabilitation in the private and public sector or inspection or municipal codes enforcement; or
3. An equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.

*Note:  Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.

Special Requirements

Valid NYS driver’s license, eligibility for certification as Code Enforcement Officer by the State of New York within one year from date of employment